Building a decarbonized society requires not just the use of today's green technologies, but the development of tomorrow's as well. Panasonic's research and development efforts are aimed at contributing towards a more sustainable future.

Hydrogen is attracting interest as a next-generation energy source because it can be converted to energy without emitting CO₂ in the process. Additionally, electricity from renewable energy can be converted into hydrogen through electrolysis using surplus power and stored stably for a long period of time. Against this backdrop, the use of hydrogen is expected to expand rapidly.

In October 2021, Panasonic announced the development of H2 KIBOU, a pure hydrogen fuel cell generator, which generates power through chemical reaction with high-purity hydrogen and oxygen in the air. A single unit can generate 5 kW power, which is suitable for the demand of small-scale commercial facilities, and multiple generator units can be connected to increase the power output according to demand.

Six months later, Panasonic announced its plan to begin operations at its new H2 KIBOU FIELD facility. This facility was built as a demonstration of a Panasonic renewable energy solution, known as RE100 (Renewable Energy 100%), in which 100% of the power used for site operations is generated from renewable resources. The fuel cells are part of a self-sustaining power system that combines generation from both pure hydrogen and solar sources. This is the first such demonstration in the world to make full-scale use of hydrogen fuel cells toward a 100% renewable energy manufacturing site.

Panasonic, with the support of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), is aiming to install highly efficient and free-sized solar cells in difficult places. This solution can be installed in areas that have typically been difficult for silicon-based solar cells because its power generation layer is thin and lightweight, and different patterns can be created through the inkjet printer: Solar cells can be formed for building walls, windows and other areas that have typically been difficult. Additionally, less energy is required in the manufacturing process.

With minimal limitations on the location of installation, putting perovskite solar cells on walls and windows could enable more than 50% of buildings to become net zero energy buildings (ZEBs). Panasonic is moving forward with development with an eye on building-integrated photovoltaic materials that can be applied to ZEBs.